‘Diverse’ Nancy Drew: Sarah Shahi will play young sleuth

CBS has cast “Person of Interest” star Sarah Shahi as their leading lady in “Drew,” the network’s drama pilot based on the Nancy Drew character from the classic mystery book series.

The show will give fans a contemporary take on the iconic sleuth, with Nancy (Shahi), now in her 30s, working as a detective for the NYPD, where she investigates and solves crimes using her uncanny observational skills, all while navigating the complexities of life in a modern world.

Earlier this year, CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller revealed at the TCA Press Tour that the network was adamant about not having a cookie-cutter actress play the beloved character.

“She is diverse, that is the way she is written,” the executive told a group of reporters. At the time, Geller said it was too early in the process to explain just what he meant by “diverse” — whether Nancy is African-American, Asian-American or Latino — but he said it would hinge on finding the right actress for the part.

“[She will] not [be] Caucasian,” he stressed. “I’d be open to any ethnicity.”

In Drew, Shahi joins previously announced cast members Vanessa Ferlito (“Graceland”) as an NYPD homicide detective, Anthony Edwards (“ER”) as Nancy’s dad and Felix Solis (“The Good Wife”) as an NYPD lieutenant.